Fight Like a Girl & Downrange Shooting | SOTG 1338
Student of the Gun Radio
Wanna hear the FULL Episode? During today’s show we have Louis Caras as our special guest. Louis just participated in a training class entitled “Fight Like a Girl” and he will share with us what that entailed. Paul and Louis will trade stories about what it is like to be pepper sprayed which leads the Professor, a OC instructor, to discuss the pros and cons of that defensive tool. For our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. we will consider the magic circle or the donut of death and how the circle and/or dot reticle can make a difference in both optics that are designed for rifles and...
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NRA Board Election & CCW for Soldiers? | SOTG 1337
Student of the Gun Radio
Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Most service members have been denied their right to carry privately owned firearms on military bases until now. A landmark memorandum signed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth finally empowers troops to exercise their Second Amendment rights during off-duty hours, transforming military installation policies that treated soldiers like second-class citizens for decades. In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the profound implications of this policy change. Hear the inside story of how years of bureaucratic mindset have now shifted to favor personal protection for...
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Why 'Shoot Faster Than You Think' is Deadly | SOTG 1336
Student of the Gun Radio
Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Most firearms trainers emphasize shooting faster, but what if that very rush is what’s killing your skills? In this eye-opening episode, Prof. Paul, Jarrad Markel, and Louis Caras crack open the myth that speed alone makes you effective under stress. They reveal that rushing your shot not only leads to bad habits but can directly cause negligent discharges and deadly mistakes. Discover why mindset, tactical awareness, and deliberate skill-building outweigh mere speed. Learn how the brain perceives time differently in high-pressure moments and why training your...
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Inside the Gun Industry: Trends, Innovations, and Market Realities | SOTG 1335
Student of the Gun Radio
Wanna hear the FULL Episode? In an engaging interview, industry expert David Biggers discusses firearm innovations, industry trends, and the impact of social media on gun development. Gain insights into the evolution of firearm technology, market dynamics, and the importance of innovation versus tradition. We have an announcement about the latest book from Nicholas Orr, “Book of Five Rings Study Guide” now available as a pre-order on kindle with a paperback coming soon. For our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. this week, we consider optics versus iron sights for your shooting experience....
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ODU Attack: Lessons Learned | SOTG 1334
Student of the Gun Radio
Wanna hear the FULL Episode? A known terrorist attacked a class full of students at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. How the ROTC Cadets responded to that attack is worth noting. What are the lessons we can take away from that event? During our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. we have an announcement regarding the release of their new OGL-C. Also, is your handgun fragile? Professor Paul has another recommending reading suggestion for you during our Coffee Corner from Blackout Coffee. Please use the promo code: STUDT20 to save money and support our show. TOPICS COVERED THIS...
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Why Mastery is a Lifelong Journey | SOTG 1333
Student of the Gun Radio
In this episode, Prof. Paul and Jarrad Markel discuss firearm maintenance, training, and the importance of continuous learning in self-defense. They explore topics like ammunition care, mental models, and the value of proper education to become a responsible armed citizen. Wanna hear the FULL Episode? TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: | | [0:03:31] EOTech Talk - TOPIC: First Round Stoppage: Setback [0:23:16] Coffee Corner - [Use Code STUDT20] TOPIC: The Book of Five Rings, Thomas Cleary edition, has The Family Traditions of the Art of War [0:45:04] SOTG...
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Gun Gaming or Fighting Mindsets with Jake Dwyer from 1911 Syndicate | SOTG 1332
Student of the Gun Radio
We welcome a special guest, Jake Dwyer from 1911 Syndicate to discuss unique guns, collecting and some of the history of firearms that led us to where we are today. During our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. Professor Paul and Jarrad will consider the various colors of reticle used in modern handgun optics. For our Coffee Corner this week we will discuss a book that Jarrad brought up during last week’s show; “The Power of Full Engagement” and remind you to order some Blackout Coffee and support SOTG. How important is your first firearms training class? During our SOTG Homeroom,...
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Coaches, Instructors & Press Checks | SOTG 1331
Student of the Gun Radio
Wanna hear the FULL Episode? What is the difference between a coach and instructor and a mentor? During this week’s episode we will consider the question in detail. To include a deep dive into the Mentor/Mentee relationship during our Leadership Lessons. During our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. we follow up on last week’s discussion regarding protecting our optics. Professor Paul has a new article published that you can use for a reference. In our Coffee Corner, the Professor highlights sections from the SOTG Instructor Development Manual 2.0. And, you have the opportunity to...
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Calling Out BS & AR Slam Fire? | SOTG 1330
Student of the Gun Radio
In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of podcasting, emphasizing the importance of regular content creation and the human touch in an AI-driven world. They delve into practical tips for protecting optics on firearms, debunk myths surrounding the AR-15, and highlight the significance of training and gear. The conversation also includes recommended readings that can enhance understanding and preparedness in the realm of firearms and self-defense. In this conversation, Prof Paul and Jarrad Markel explore the nuances of leadership, communication, and the importance of addressing...
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I Lost My Dot & Start with Baselines | SOTG 1329
Student of the Gun Radio
In this episode, we take a wide‑ranging journey through leadership, training, personal growth, and the pursuit of a healthier, more capable life. The conversation kicks off with stories of nostalgia and lessons learned the hard way, then shifts to a thoughtful look at how simplicity—whether in firearms instruction or leadership—creates better students, better teams, and better outcomes. We’re joined by Connor Darnbrough, co‑founder of the SmartFit method, who shares his personal fitness journey and how it led to the development of a science‑based, AI‑enhanced training system...
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Professor Paul takes a moment to consider the recent and ongoing fight in Virginia. The responsible patriots exercised their inalienable 1st Amendment rights to petition for redress of grievances. Where do we go from here?
During our Brownells Bullet Points, we consider a bit of AR-180 history. Then we discuss some options available to the modern gun owner. Are you ready to build your own AR-180 replica?
How important is it to be dangerous on demand? One father in New Hampshire learned the lesson the hard way when a coyote attacked his two-year-old son during a recent family outing. Paul introduces a new way to carry your gun from Crossbreed Holsters. All that and more from the SHOT Show 2020 during this episode.
Thanks for being a part of SOTG! We hope you find value in the message we share. If you’ve got any questions, here are some options to contact us:
Enjoy the show! And remember…
You’re a Beginner Once, a Student For Life!
Topics Covered During This Episode:
- Spike Jackson is shyly co-hosting today
- Brownells Bullet Points - brownells.com
- TOPIC: The BRN-180 www.americanrifleman.org
- Video from SHOT: www.facebook.com
- Huge thanks to our Partners:
Brownells | Century Arms | Crossbreed | Duracoat | SWAT Fuel - SOTG Homeroom brought to you by Crossbreed Holsters
- TOPIC: Dangerous on Demand? disrn.com
- ST2 Hybrid holster NEW from Crossbreed www.crossbreedholsters.com
- SHOT 2020 Follow-Up Pt. 2
- Century AK74
- Samson Mini-14 Stock
- New Magpul Drum Mags
- Cabot has a 9mm Pistol
- Stag Arms is moving to Cheyenne
- Mantis and Cool Fire Training Tools
VIDEOS:
FEATURING: American Rifleman, DISRN, Brownells, Crossbreed Holsters, Madison Rising, Jarrad Markel, Paul G. Markel, SOTG University
PARTNERS: Brownells Inc, Crossbreed Holsters, Century Arms, SWAT Fuel, DuraCoat Firearm Finishes
FIND US ON: United Gun Group, iHeart Radio, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon, iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, YouTube, Full 30, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, tumblr
SOURCES
From www.americanrifleman.org:
Among many AR aficionados, it is believed that piston-driven rifles are a distinct improvement of direct-gas-impingement rifles like the ArmaLite-designed AR-15/M16. They like to quote many early Vietnam War-era marines who sniffed “Why would anyone want a rifle that bleeps where it feeds?”
Those guys had a point at the time. The AR-15 (M16) was designed with ammo loaded with stick powders, but when the ammo contracts were awarded the GI ammo was loaded with ball powders which were much dirtier in terms of residue than the powders used in the development of the rifle. Consequently, the M16 had a well-deserved early reputation for jamming.
Former Marine and former Army Ordnance technician Eugene Stoner is considered the father of the AR-15 (M16), and he quickly realized the shortcomings of the gas-impingement system. Stoner’s final rifle design for ArmaLite, the 7.62-cal. AR-16 rifle combined his notions for improvement of the design utilizing David “Carbine” Williams’ short-stroke, gas-piston in a better caliber.
The AR-16 was an effort to supply the U.S. military with a battle rifle less expensive to produce than the Garand or M14 rifles. However, soon after the adoption of the M14 rifle, Stoner left ArmaLite.